Average cost of Basic Food Basket down 5.1% in March-May period

Average cost of Basic Food Basket down 5.1% in March-May period

During the quarter, urban markets recorded a slightly steeper drop than rural markets, but the overall difference remained marginal.

The average cost of Basic Food Basket (BFB) declined 5.1 percent in March-May period, according to World Food Programme’s (WFP) Quarterly Market Monitoring Update for Cambodia released on Thursday.

The WFP uses BFB to track food inflation in countries where the organisation operate. The basket represents a typical selection of commonly consumed food items in a specific area, and its cost is monitored to understand price changes and their impact on people’s access to food.

The BFB average cost decline was primarily attributed to the reduced prices of some food items in the basket, particularly mixed rice which offset the price increase in vegetable oil and pork with fat.

During the quarter, urban markets recorded a slightly steeper drop than rural markets, but the overall difference remained marginal.

“From March to May 2025, the average cost of BFB was approximately KHR 105,000 per person per month, equivalent to $25.6. This represents a 5.1 percent year-on-year (YoY) decrease compared to the same period in 2024, pointing to a modest relief for households,” the update said.

“During the quarter from March to May 2025 across the 10 provinces, market trends revealed dynamic shifts in retail prices of key commodities in the food basket,” the update pointed out.

According to the update, mixed rice showed a continued decline, averaging KHR 2,100 in May—down more than 20 percent from May 2024—returning to levels seen prior to India’s global rice export ban.

“Meanwhile, duck eggs remained relatively consistent, gently fluctuating within the KHR 4,600–5,000 range. Morning glory exhibited striking price swings, dipping to KHR 2,580 in April before rebounding to 3,150 riel, suggesting seasonal or supply-related volatility.

“Vegetable oil peaked at KHR 29,500 in March, then tapered slightly to KHR 29,100 in May, but still up sharply from 2024 figures. Snakehead fish prices held steady throughout the quarter, offering stability in the protein market.

“In contrast, pork with fat surged to KHR 18,390 by May, a notable year-on-year increase that reflects rising demand in the meat sector.

“Lastly, sweet potatoes closed the quarter lower at KHR 2,360, easing from 2,570 riel in March and slightly down from May 2024, reflecting modest softness in root crop prices.”

Regarding inflationary trends, the update said: “From January to March 2025, Phnom Penh experienced higher inflation, as measure by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and food inflation, as measure by the Food Price Index (FPI) compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting the rising costs in key food categories and non-food essentials.

“The overall inflation in March 2025 was 3.7 percent despite experiencing a decreasing trend from the previous month. Similarly, in March 2025, food price also inflated by 5.2 percent compared to March 2024.

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